PC Normandale dived behind a police car for cover and called for back-up, but Burns followed him down the street, pointing the gun at him and shouting: “Get back! Move back!”

Defence barrister Glen Parsons said Burns, whose parents were sat in the public gallery, could have been shot dead if armed police had been called.

He added that Burns had long-term mental-health problems and was “acutely unwell” at the time. He was given a two-year jail sentence, suspended for 24 months, with supervision by the Probation Service and rehabilitation to address his mental-health issues.

Judge Paul Batty QC said he could suspend the inevitable prison sentence because of Burns’ lack of previous convictions and testimonials showing “that there is another side to you”.

Mr Batty also praised the courageous actions of PC Normandale and said he would be recommending a special commendation.